The Collected Works of William Morris :: :: University of Virginia Library

Then spake Æetes: “Stranger, thou shalt soon
Hear all thou wouldst hear in my house of gold;
Yet ere thou enterest this my door, behold
That ancient temple of the Far Darter,
And know that thy desire now hangeth there,
Against the gold wall of the inmost shrine,
Guarded by sevenfold lock, whose keys are thine
When thou hast done what else thou hast to do,
And thou mayst well be bold to come thereto.”

“King,” said the prince, “fear not, but do thy part,
Nor look to see me turn back faint of heart,
Though I may die as my forefathers died,
Who, living long, their loved souls failed to hide
From death at last, however wise they were.
But verily, O King, thy house is fair,
And here I think to see full many a thing
Men love; so, whatso the next day may bring,
Right merrily shall pass these coming hours
Amidst fair things and wine-cups crowned with flowers.”

“Enter, O guests,” the king said, “and doubt not
Ye shall see things to make the heart grow hot
With joy and longing.”

As he spoke, within
Blew up the horns, as when a king doth win
His throne at last, and they who went behind
Hedging the heroes, cried as when folk find
His throne is filled and he is hid no more.
Then those within threw open wide the door,
And straight the king took Jason by the hand,
And entered, and the Minyæ now did stand
In such a hall as there has never been

Before or afterwards, since Ops was queen.

The pillars, made the mighty roof to hold,
The one was silver and the next was gold
All down the hall; the roof, of some strange wood
Brought over sea, was dyed as red as blood,
Set thick with silver flowers, and delight
Of intertwining figures wrought aright.
With richest webs the marble walls were hung,
Picturing sweet stories by the poets sung
From ancient days, so that no wall seemed there,
But rather forests black and meadows fair,
And streets of well-built towns, with tumbling seas
About their marble wharves and palaces;
And fearful crags and mountains; and all trod
By changing feet of giant, nymph, and God,
Spear-shaking warrior and slim-ankled maid.

The floor, moreover, of the place was laid
With coloured stones, wrought like fair flowery grass;
And, ready for what needs might come to pass,
Midmost the hall, two clear streams trickled down,
O'er wondrous gem-like pebbles, green and brown,
Betwixt smooth banks of marble, and therein
Bright-coloured fish shone through the water thin.

Now, 'midst these wonders were there tables spread,
Whither the wondering seafarers were led,
And there with meat and drink full delicate
Were feasted, and strange dainty things they ate,
Of unused savour, and drank godlike wine;
While from the golden galleries, most divine
Heart-softening music breathed about the place;
And 'twixt the pillars, at a gentle pace,
Passed lovely damsels, raising voices sweet
And shrill unto the music, while their feet
From thin dusk raiment now and then would gleam
Upon the polished edges of the stream.

Long sat the Minyæ there, and for their parts
Few words they said, because, indeed, their hearts,
O'er-burdened with delight, still dreaded death;
Nor did they think that they might long draw breath
In such an earthly Paradise as this,
But looked to find sharp ending to their bliss.